News

Today, 17 July 2026, Mount Taishan and South African National Parks (SANParks), with the support of the Western Cape Government and the Government of Shandong Province, signed a Cooperation Agreement (CA) that marks an important milestone in strengthening international cooperation on conservation and sustainable development.

Building on the longstanding partnership between the Western Cape Government and Shandong Province, the CA provides a framework for collaboration in biodiversity conservation, protected area management, sustainable tourism, environmental education, climate change adaptation, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting natural heritage while creating opportunities for sustainable tourism, knowledge exchange and inclusive growth. We look forward to working with Mount Tai and our government partners to strengthen conservation efforts and deliver lasting benefits for our protected areas and the communities they support,” says SANParks CEO, Ms Hapiloe Sello.

As a non-binding framework, the CA lays the foundation for future joint initiatives that will benefit both people and protected natural areas.

“Two remarkable destinations, one an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred mountains in China, the other an iconic, globally recognised landmark and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world. This twinning agreement is about further unlocking the full potential of collaboration between two remarkable destinations. While it is, in spirit, a mountain-to-mountain partnership between Mount Tai and Table Mountain, it has the potential to introduce the entire Western Cape to one of the world’s largest tourism markets. It gives us the opportunity to showcase everything our province has to offer, from our world-class winelands and beautiful coastline to our rich culture, welcoming communities and, of course, our iconic mountains,” says Mr. Jaco Londt, Western Cape Minister of Social Development

This partnership is also about creating and unlocking new business opportunities. Our relationship with Shandong Province has already shown what can be achieved. Hisense’s investment is proof that investing in the Western Cape can be mutually beneficial, creating jobs and supporting economic growth while delivering value for our international partners. We want this agreement to open the door to even more opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and stronger people-to-people ties that will benefit both the Western Cape and Shandong Province for many years to come.

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Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks)